Clarke, Mourinho’s former right-hand man, is preparing his summer recruitment on the basis that Lukaku will not return.

But he remains quietly confident.

“Romelu is here for a year’s loan - he is Chelsea’s player,” said Clarke.

“He is contracted (with Albion) until the end of June, will go back to Chelsea for pre-season and I’m 99 per cent sure he will do pre-season with Chelsea and they will decide whether they want to let him out for another season.

“We have to develop the squad without knowing if he’ll be back. We have to plan for him not returning.

“Nobody knows where he will be next season even though I keep getting asked this.

“Next season the parent club will decide whether to keep him or let him go out on loan.

“All I would say is that if he goes back out on loan I think we’re in a good position to get him again.

“He loves it here, he’s been positive about the club, he’s been nominated for young player of the year, which tells you that he’s had a good season, so I think he will be happy here.”